LUMBERTON — Girl Scouts — North Carolina Coastal Pines has designated Lumberton Girl Scout Troop No. 699 one of Daisy’s Dozen Elite for its 2020-2021 membership year.

The Daisy’s Dozen Elite Status Award is presented to troops that go above and beyond in their participation in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. In honor of the vision that Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, affectionately known as “Daisy,” had for girls, the Daisy’s Dozen Troop Assessment Program was created by Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines to help ensure that girls are receiving an enriching Girl Scout experience.

After reviewing hundreds of assessments, only 12 out of the council’s approximately 1,500 troops were selected from across the council’s 41-county region. Girls must work together as a troop to succeed in all of the leadership activities throughout the course of the year.

“We’ve done Daisy Dozen each year, but the Elite, you get chosen for that,” said Pam Cummings, the troop’s leader.

Robeson County Girl Scout Troop No. 699 is a multi-level troop with girls in fourth and fifth grades. The troop has eight members and is co-led by Sheena McMillan. Scouts include Olivia McMillan, Chelsea Bullard, Myah and Nyah Watson, April Cummings, Jahari Roberson, Addison Rooks, and Alannah Simmons.

The troop was awarded the Daisy’s Dozen Elite Troop Status in 2021 by making positive changes in their community.

The Daisy’s Dozen Elite Status Award includes an assessment tool that outlines steps troops can take to explore the Girl Scout Program Pillars of entrepreneurship, STEM, the outdoors, and life skills throughout the year. Troops can strive for “elite” status by showing that they have involved girls in planning a Girl Scout Leadership Experience that is balanced, multi-faceted, and grade appropriate. The 2020-2021 membership year was especially significant due to COVID-19 changes, and each Daisy’s Dozen Elite troop remained committed to Girl Scouts despite hardships.

“With the pandemic it’s been hard I have to admit. My girls don’t like virtual, they like meeting in person, but because of safety we have to meet virtually,” Cummings said.

Despite the setback, the troop still found ways to give back to the community like making Cupid Care cards to give to residents at Wesley Pines assistant living facility in Lumberton.

“We meet at Wesley Pines so we do a lot with them all throughout the year,” Cummings said. “We love Wesley Pines.”

The scouts also expanded their experiences by visiting New Life Ranch, where learned about different animals and rode horses.

“The girls enjoyed horseback riding,” Cummings said.

The girls are committed to what it means to be a Girl Scout, and during this years’ cookie season, they were able to donate cookies to a local soldier stationed in Korea.

“By earning this elite recognition, the girls and their leaders have demonstrated their investment in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” said Jennifer Carter, Program Executive of Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines. “Their exemplary commitment to service in their communities and their dedication to the growth of Girl Scouts makes them standouts among an impressive group of girls across the state.”

Since the small troop was formed, Cummings has notices a maturity in the girls.

“Their confidence has definitely grown,” Cummings said. “Our shy little girls we started with now express themselves more and want to share their life stories.”

This was the seventh year for the Daisy’s Dozen Troop Assessment Program. The annual Girl Scout membership year runs Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.

Troop members will be honored locally to commend their commitment to girl leadership development and taking the lead the Girl Scout way. They will also virtually gather to celebrate their accomplishments with the Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines CEO, Lisa Jones.